Access issues
These clients have a problem common in Wellington – a pretty arduous tramp up to their house! Rather than install a cablecar they opted for a redesign of their path and steps.
The new path and steps bring the visitor up into the garden through a series of spaces, with plenty of interesting features and planting to pause and admire (whilst catching your breath!). The journey begins with the council path which has been improved simply with planting, handrails and stone steps at the base. Once on the property the stonework, By Carl Gifford, is a feature in itself, and the spiral staircase is a delightful example of his skills. The steps emerge onto the small formal lawn where the paving breaks up into strips divided by creeping ground-cover plants, providing textural and seasonal interest. The water feature planned for the far end of the lawn is waiting for the lotto win…
The final steps lead up to the house with more formality – befitting the elegant villa. At the top of these steps the path turns (for the final assault!) to present a view to the gardens along the front of the house. The last flight of steps are timber in the traditional style, redone to restore the detailing more typical of this era.
Contractors: Stonework: Carl Gifford – The Stone Wall Company
Paving etc : Red Tree Landscaping
